Clare Peppiatt has worked as a Community Fundraiser for the Royal British Legion for 8 years. Here she tells of how we can support our service men and women in Hampshire this November.

Working with the amazing volunteers and supporters who work so hard to raise money to benefit our Armed Forces past and present and their families. Our supporters never cease to amaze me with how hard they work raising money to ensure we can deliver the support to our Armed Forces, which is often life changing.

Tell us about the work the Royal British Legion does in Hampshire.

We are changing our way of working to best meet the needs of our beneficiaries and are completely revamping our community outreach service across the county, with a network of new walk-in centres now coming on stream in libraries and other easily accessible high street locations. People with Forces connections can call in for advice and help about how The Legion can help them. In addition, there will be a new digital on-line service and a national Contact Centre.

With Remembrance Sunday taking place this month, what does this mean to those at The Royal British Legion?

As the nation’s custodian of Remembrance, The Legion is committed to helping everyone understand the importance of Remembrance, to ensure the sacrifices are never forgotten.

And how important is it that we support the Poppy Appeal?

This year, the need is as great as ever to support the Poppy Appeal; reflecting the nation’s loyalty to older and more recent veterans, as well as those still serving and their families.

Whether the families of personnel on active service, of those currently in transition from military to civilian life, or of veterans, they are all members of the Armed Forces community - a unique family in itself. The Royal British Legion reflects the mood of the British public in that we cherish them, respect their contribution to society and stand ready to support them whenever they need help, advice or support through military life and beyond.

Who directly benefits from the proceeds in Hampshire? In Hampshire, our Family Break centres can provide week-long holidays for Armed Forces families to get away from the strains of everyday life and share quality time together. Our Adventure Breaks help Service children have a great time together and forget the challenges of being a Forces child; and bereaved families get the support they deserve at inquest through our Independent Inquest Advice Service. We also help Armed Forces families get through personal difficulties and funding problems with our crisis grants and our Benefits and Money Advice can help Armed Forces families manage their finances and receive their full entitlements.

How can we get involved in the fundraising?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Royal British Legion and Poppy Appeal and we couldn’t achieve all that we do without them. We have a whole range of volunteering opportunities so there’s lots of ways you can get involved, whether you have lots of time to give or just an hour or two. Go to www.britishlegion.org.uk for details.

Do you have any events taking place within the county this month to support the appeal?

We are bringing back the Hampshire Festival of Remembrance to Southampton Guildhall on the 8th November. Tickets are available from the Southampton Guildhall Box Office on 02380 632601. Also, the Millers Collection of restaurants are generously hosting up to 200 veterans for a free three course meal with drinks on the 11th November, which is just amazing!

How can we give support to the Royal British Legion on a longer term?

There are many ways to support the Legion in our work improving the lives of Service and ex-Service people - from shopping online to using our insurance, credit cards and other services. Go to www.britishlegion.org.uk to find out more. For local fundraising, skydives or volunteering, email cpeppiatt@britishlegion.org.uk or phone 02380 477274.